[The video feed flips on, focusing (after a few seconds of jostling around) on Galadriel, sitting on the steps of the Initiative Hold, her sheathed sword beside her. Having just finished training, she’s attired appropriately, wearing a simple dress and with her hair braided and wound about her head- displaying those pointed ears quite prominently for those who might have missed them before.]

I grow weary of the constant grey here. It is overlong since I have heard a running stream or seen the sunlight filtered through the forest canopy.

Tell me, those of you who have journeyed outside this city: does greenery yet remain in this world? It would do my heart well even to hear of it.

Alright, I've been here over a month now and it's not the apocalypse I'm used to. So things aren't as scarce as back home.

[Kicking an addiction back home only to go back to it here.]

Anyone know where I can get a pack of cigarettes? I feel like I'll want them a lot more the longer I'm here.

[ charles is visibly distressed when he appears on the screen, this time. he's in what seems to be some underground facility, and there are other faces behind him—notably collette, emma, galadriel, raven, and others. his eyes remain closed for a second and you can hear him take a deep breath. then: ]

We have... borrowed a gentleman by the name of Richard Lawson...—from the United Earth. He is a cabinet member of the President's. Yes, the President of the United Earth. [ charles clears his throat, steels himself. ]

We've learnt a great many things about the United Earth from his head, and we feel it best to share that information with all of you, here on the Network.

[ charles states the next words with a heavy voice. ]

The President of the United Earth is not human. "He" is—artificial. Artificial Intelligence, or what you would call an A.I.. The United Earth... has never seen his face, as far as we have deduced.

We will try to answer questions about what we have learnt to the very best of our ability, but do be patient. Ah—[ he closes his eyes again, considering. then he nods as though he's made the right decision and he knows it. ]

That is all.

( note: wow i knew i forgot something like a winner. THIS TAKES PLACE DURING/AFTER these linked shenanigans: [ x ] [ x ] [ x ] [ x ] )

I need some help. Someone to train with.

[Not Wesker.]

Before I came here, I was given... powers and I never had the chance to practice with them. It's a long story as to why but the short version is that it was dangerous. Heaviest thing I ever lifted was a motorcycle.

[A slight pause.]

And Galadriel, if you're getting this, I'll help you figure out these new netbooks.

What a very unfortunate turn of events.

[ Whatever room Wesker is in, it's very dark, and hard to tell where in the underground compound he's hiding out in. It's almost impossible to see him, except for a vague outline. Wesker moves a bit, and soon, the lights turn on, his back facing the camera.

It's obvious where he is, now. The infirmary. He's pulling a syringe out of his arm, but it's not his medication; it appears to be full of his own blood. Capping the needle and swabbing his arm with an alcohol swab real quick, he lowers his own sleeve, not even bothering to put a bandage on it; it's just going to heal on its own, after all. ]

I'm rather interested in these 'Masked' I've read about. Their recent attack was very bold. I believe it is time to retaliate... don't you?

[ Wesker places the vial of his blood into a specialized container marked with a biohazard symbol, and faces the screen. ]

Where might I find a science laboratory? If they wish to fight on such a scale, I will be more than happy to oblige them.

Everyone breathing okay?

[One easygoing looking man grins into the camera. He just got his netbook after the bombing ordeal calmed down a bit and he's been fiddling with it all day! Now he knows how to use it and he's so proud of himself.]

Yes? Nice to meet you. The Initiative brought me in to help out this Resistance project of theirs, so I guess that makes us comrades? That's nice. You know what they say about friendship.

[What do they say about friendship, Nick? He has no clue.]

Anyway... I actually had a question. Is there anywhere around here I could find some playing cards? I was talking to someone down in the tunnels last week and thought game night might be a fun thing to do sometime. Maybe poker for some fun prizes? Haha.

[... He does not introduce himself. He thought it might make him mysterious, and it'll be a way to start a conversation later, right?]

[In an angry sarcastic tone]

And here I thought I was done trying to go about my business while being inconvenienced by bombs. 

Damn you Korea, and damn you Initiative.

I'm heading to the clinic. So, there will be at least one surgeon if needed.